These concepts have had a great influence on many civilizations of the future, including most of the world today. The first basic forms of arithmetic were introduced, leading to advances in many other aspects of life, such as architecture. Hieroglyphics were symbols used as a form of writing and communication. Painted or carved in stone, they left a testimony of their world. These hieroglyphics were often complex symbols, so hieratic numbers were fashioned as a more general form of writing to create greater efficiency in their daily lives (Oliver 6). “Egyptian astronomer-priests studied the heavens, mapping the constellations and tracing the movements of the planets” (Elisabeth Gaynor Ellis et al. 32). Using this knowledge, the Egyptians developed the 365-day calendar which has obviously had a major impact on today's society. They used their skill and intellect to build great structures and monuments (the Great Pyramids are among the most sophisticated known today). Most importantly, the world's first national government was organized, which formed the foundation of their society. Pharaohs ruled with the assistance of a prime minister who oversaw government affairs. These prime ministers would keep track of many important things such as tax collection, management of irrigation systems, and agriculture (Elisabeth Gaynor Ellis et al. 25). They had thousands of scribes to whom they gave instructions